The folks at Cape Lookout National Seashore on the Outerbanks of North Carolina have a nice lineup of programs to keep you busy during October.

Programs will run on schedule, unless there is inclement weather. For more information on these programs and other program offerings, you can call the Harkers Island Visitor Center at (252) 728-2250 for a complete schedule.

Cape LookoutLighthouse

Lighting the Way (Daily, 15 minutes)

Come learn the history of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the life of a lighthouse keeper. Programs begin at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM on the porch of the Assistant Keepers’ Quarters next to the Lighthouse. (Except for October 10, programs are at 10:00 AM, 12:00 AM, and 3:30 AM.)

150th Anniversary of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Special Event (Saturday, October 10, 10:00 am -3:00 pm)

Saturday at the Lighthouse -- a day long celebration of the anniversary of the lighthouse and the men and women who kept the light shining.

10:00 AM -- Activities begin at the lighthouse

All day activities include:

· Music on Keepers` Quarters porch

· Children`s programs

· A US Coast Guard boat at the dock for visiting

· A book signing

· The Cape Lookout Post Office will be temporarily re-opened.

1:00 PM Special Program to recognize the Lighthouse Keepers, their descendants, and others

2:00 PM Lighthouse Birthday Cake is served (open to all)

3:00 PM End of Day

FERRY ADVISORY: Be sure to make your ferry reservations early for this day at the lighthouse. A list of authorized ferry services may be found on the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm

NOTE: In case of rain or high winds -- event will be held at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center located on Harkers Island: if the location changes it will be announced on park website at: www.nps.gov/calo.

Shackleford Banks

Horse Sense and Survival, October 18th (6 hours), By Reservation Only

The wild horses on Shackleford Banks are fascinating to observe, but may be difficult to find. Join a Park Ranger for a day-long walking trip to find horses and watch their behavior. The park will arrange transportation by local ferries and there will be a charge for this ride. If you have your own boat, call the park for the reservations and meeting locations. There is no charge for the walking program. Come prepared for a day in the sun and walking through deep sand. Bring water, lunch, bug repellent, sunscreen, a sun hat, binoculars, and camera with telephoto lens. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes to walk in deep sand and those that can get wet and muddy. Call the Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250 for reservations.

Harkers Island

Art & Photography Exhibit and Sale- 150th Lighthouse Anniversary, October 10 – November 1

On exhibit (and for sale) will be original art and photography celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. A special children’s exhibition will highlight the talents of area school children. Exhibit will be in the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center on Harkers Island, NC. Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Reminder: The due date for submission of artwork for this exhibition is on or before Monday, October 5, 2009. The art for the exhibition will be juried and prizes are available for the following categories: adults- flat art and photographic art, and students- flat art. Call the Core Sound Museum for details.

Community Night - 150th Lighthouse Anniversary, Tuesday, October 20

Community Night at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center will focus on the 15th Anniversary of the Lighthouse. Bring a covered dish for a community supper at 6:00 p.m.. The program will start at 7:00 p.m.

Art & Photography Exhibit Awards Reception - 150th Lighthouse Anniversary, Sunday, November 1

On Sunday, November 1st at 3:00 p.m. at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center will host the awards reception for the adult art and photography exhibit and sale and for the Carteret County schools student art exhibit. David Cecelski will be the keynote speaker.

Relighting the Lighthouse Ceremony - 150th Lighthouse Anniversary Special Event – Sunday November 1

As we look towards the next 150 years of service for the Cape Lookout lighthouse, there will be a “Relighting of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse” ceremony on Sunday November 1st beginning at 4:45 p.m. at Shell Point on Harkers Island.

Maritime Museum, Beaufort, N.C.

Special Presentation - 150th Lighthouse Anniversary, Monday, October 12

Herb Stanford, retired engineer and long time volunteer at Cape Lookout, will give an informal presentation on the lighthouse at 11:00 – 12:00 on October 12, 2009 at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC. The presentation will focus on why and how the lighthouse was built, the lenses and lamps used to provide the light, the role of the lighthouse keepers, current status of the lighthouse, and options for the future. Plenty of time for questions will be provided. This event is open to the public at no charge.

Ken Burn’s The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

Starting Sunday, September 27, and continuing each night until Saturday, October 3, one of 6 episodes that make up this mini-series will be shown on PBS. The six episodes are: The Script of Nature 1851-1890; The Last Refuge 1890 -1915; The Empire of Grandeur 1915 -1919; Going Home 1920-1933; Great Nature 1933-1945; The Morning of Creation 1946-1980. Check your local listings for times.

The link for showings in the Morehead City area is: http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/tv-schedules/